Opinion

Every year, millions of people set New Year’s resolutions with the hope that this will be the year things finally change. While the tradition dates back nearly 4,000 years to the ancient Babylonians, modern resolutions are less about ceremony and more about personal improvement. The challenge, of course, isn’t setting a goal—it’s sticking with it.

“Tonight’s December thirtyfi rst, Something is about to burst … Hark, it’s midnight, children dear. Duck! Here comes another year!” —Ogden Nash, (1902 – 1861) American poet declared by The New York Times as the country’s best-known producer of humorous poetry.

Winter has officially arrived, and officials with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas say the Texas power grid is expected to hold up through most weather conditions, the Houston Chronicle reported. However, the boom in data centers across the state increases the risk of rolling brownouts to 1% to 2% through February.

The winter months are upon us, and as most of you know, Alpine temperatures change constantly, and it has been known to drop to single-digit temperatures. It is important to protect your pets from the elements while they are outside. Alpine Animal Services recommends that all pets be allowed inside when temperatures are below freezing, and if they have to go outside, make sure it is not for long periods of time and that they have access to sufficient shelter and water. Here are some tips for keeping your pet safe in the winter: Make sure that your dog has a well-insulated, waterproof doghouse. If you have outdoor cats, make sure they have one too. Shelters should be big enough for them to move around comfortably. Shelters should be elevated and have some type of bedding. Never leave pets outside during an ice or snowstorm.

“There is an angel close to you this day. Merry Christmas, and I wish you well.” —Paul Crume (1912 –1975), Dallas Morning News columnist who wrote a front-page column every day for 24 years As I sit crafting one more Christmas column, I do it relishing in the blessing of memories and personal traditions.

“A hobby a day keeps the doldrums away.” — Phyllis McGinley (1905 – 1978) Pulitzer Prize winning American author of children’s books and poetry Everyone needs a hobby. Crafting.

Inflation has been a hot topic for several years running. Many businesses have been forced to raise prices due to a host of factors, including rising material costs, labor shortages, and global political uncertainty. That’s been hard on consumers’ and business owners’ pocketbooks, and precisely when inflation will simmer down remains a mystery.

Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your many blessings, see what God hath done. — 1897 hymn.

As a neurodivergent person, I have a gift for misreading social situations. Nuances in conversation—tone, timing, subtext—sometimes slip right past me, especially when I’m just trying to be friendly. And compared to my hometown of Houston, Alpine makes friendliness a local pastime.

Supreme Court upholds state’s redrawn congressional map The U.S. Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision to reverse a lower court’s ruling and uphold the mid-decade redrawn congressional map for Texas sent candidates scrambling to file or opt to retire with the filing deadline on Monday, Dec.